Weighing-scale.



No- 806,908. PATENTED DEC. 12, 1905. P. G. OSBORN.

WEIGHING SCALE.

APPLICATION FILED snmze, 1900.

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No. 806,908. PATENTBD DEC. 12, 1905.

' P. G. OSBORN.

WEIGHING SCALE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 29, 1900.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

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UNITED sTA ns PATENT OFFICE.

FRANCIS O. OSBOEN, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR TO THE F. O. OSBORNCOMPANY, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

WElGHlNG-SCALE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 12, 1905.

Application filed $eptember 29,1900. Serial No. 31,532.

To all whom, it may concern.-

Be it known that I, FRANCIS O. OSBORN, a citizen of the United States,residing at Detroit, in the county of Wayne, State of Michigan, haveinvented a new and useful lVeighing-Scale, of which the following is aspecification.

My invention relates to improvements in weighing-scales in which abalance-beam is employed; and the objects of my improvements are, first,to provide an improved means for applying counterweights to thecounterpoise of such sca'les; second, to increase the capacity ofcertain types of scales; third, to provide an improved indicator to showwhen the scale is in proper balance. I attain these objects by themechanism illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1represents a front elevation of the Fig. 2 represents a top view of theweight-holder. Fig. 3 represents a vertical section of a portion of theweightholder on the line :1? m of Fig. 2. Fig. 4: represents an enlargedview of a portion of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 represents a vertical section of oneof the movable weight-holder rings. Fig. 6 represents a view inelevation of one of the stationary weight-holder rings. Fig. 7represents a horizontal section of a ring-case on the line y y of Fig.3. Fig. 8 represents an enlarged view in elevation of thebalance-indicator chart. Fig. 9 represents an alternative constructionof the weight-holder mechanism.

Similar letters refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

In Fig. 1 is shown an ordinary even-balance scale to which myimprovements have been applied. At one end is shown the ordinaryscale-pan applied in the ordinary way. At the other end in place of theordinary weightplate is shown my improved weight-holder A, held inposition and supported by an arm A, rigidly attached to the base orstationary framework of the scale. The weight-holder A consists of aseries of annular cases a a, &c., equal in number to the number ofweights employed. These cases are arranged one above the other in themanner shown and are so atlowermost ring is supported by a base-plate (0provided also with lugs The annular cases a a, &c., are all alike,except they may be graduated as to size, as shown, and therefore it willbe necessary to describe one only. This statement applies also to theweights (Z and rings 7) and c. The projecting lugs a also serve asbearing-surfaces for the movable ring 6. The ring 6 fits loosely withinthe casing a and rests directly upon the lugs a. This ring is providedwith a handle (0 by which it may be rotated within the annular casing.The casing a has a slotted opening a through its side, through which thehandle (4 projects, as shown in Fig. 1. This opening permits a limitedoscillatory movement of the ring Z), as and for the purpose shownhereinafter. The ring 6 is provided on its inner side with threeinclined surfaces regularly disposed about its circumference, as shownin Fig. 5. This ring may be designated as the primary or rotatableweight-holder ring. Another ring 0, which may be designated as thesecondary or longitudinally-movable weight-holder ring, is made to fitloosely within the ring 6 and has three oppositely-inclined surfaces onits outer side adapted to engage with the three inclined surfaces on theinner side of the ring I). This ring 0 is held from rotation by avertical stud c, of which there may be one or more, projecting from thestationary framework. This stud lits loosely in a hole in the ring 0,and the ring 0 is thus held from rotation, but is permitted to moveVertically. From this construction it will be seen that when. the ring7) is rotated at distance corresponding to the length of one of theinclined surfaces the ring 0 will be moved vertically a distancecorresponding to the height of the inclined edge. The solid disk (Zrepresents a counterpoise-weight adapted to be applied to thecounterpoise of the scale. This weight is of sucha form and is appliedin such a manner as to occupy as little space vertically as possible.Normally the ring 0, with the weight [Z resting upon its inner flange,is in its uppermost position. (Shown in Fig. 3.) In this position it isfree from contact with the movements of the counterpoise. Extending up-Whenever it comes into contact with it. One method of accomplishing thisresult is shown in Fig. 3, where the outer edge of the disk f isbeveled, and a corresponding beveled recess is formed in the weight d.The weight (Z is thus kept out of contact with the rod B when the weight(1 is at rest and out of contact with the ring 0 when the weight isbalancing with the rod B. The opening f in the base of the weight-holderA is to facilitate assembling of the parts and to provide for themovement of the disk f vertically. It will be noted that all of theseparts are so formed and arranged that the least possible space isrequired, thus making it possible to use a large number of weightswithin a small space. In addition to the slotted opening for the handlea an additional opening a is made in the Wall of the ring a. Thisopening is in duplicate, one on each side of the scale-that is, one forthe customer and one for the operator. Figures indicating the number ofpounds or other unit denoted by the weight are suitably arranged uponthe outer surface of the ring 6, so that when the ring is moved intoposition to adjust the weight for weighing these figures will be shownthrough the opening a and indicate to the operator and the customer thatthe scale is adjusted for weighing the indicated amount. It will benoted in the construction described that any combination of the weightsemployed may be used, or one or all of the weights may be employed atthe same time.

The employment of this weight-holding mechanism obviates the objectionto the use of a number ofheavy weights, especially in an even-balancescale, and it is therefore possible with the employment of thismechanism to arrange an even balance scale to weigh larger amounts thanhas heretofore been practicable. I show in Fig. 1, therefore, acombination of beams and counterweights which enables me to weigh largeramounts than has heretofore been practicable on this style of scale. Tothis end I employ a long beam D, graduated to weigh, say, ten pounds.This beam is mounted upon the scale-lever through extensions at the endof the lever at one side in the ordinary manner. Back of this beam ismounted a smaller beam O and is graduated to weigh one pound. Thecounterweights in the weight-holder are adapted to weigh one, two,three, iive, ten, and ten pounds, respectively. (One more ten-poundweight than is shown in the drawing.) The small beam 0 is adapted toweigh small amounts up to one pound and of course may be used inconnection with the counterweights to weigh one, two, or more poundspound weights in combination with the beam D may be used to weigh up tothirty pounds, and the beam C and the remaining counterweights may beused at the same time to weigh tare to the extent of twelve pounds.Inasmuch as the handling of the heavy weights through the weight-holdermechan ism described is so facilitated and the objection to their sizeovercome, additional heavy weights, as twenty-pound or thirty-poundweights, may be added to the mechanism, thus increasing the capacity ofan even-balance scale much beyond a capacity which is practicable withthe ordinary method of applying such weights. The combination of thelarge beam D and the small beam C with a series of weights which combinewith either beam and the combination of the large beam D with a seriesof counterweights which range in capacitybelow the capacity of the largebeam D, as well as above, make possible a wider range of weighingscombining tare than has heretofore been practicable in even-balancescales.

Counterpoise-rod B may extend above the weight mechanism and carry theusual weightplate 0, as shown in Fig. 1, so that additional looseweights may be used in connection with the weight-holder weights. Thisarrangement also provides facility for testing the balance of any twoarticles, as in the ordinary even-balance arrangement.

On each of the handles (0 I place figures designating the denominationof the weight connected therewith. These figures need not necessarily beplaced upon the handles, but may be placed upon the casing near therespective handles. These figures indicate to the operator which handleto select in order to set the scale at the required weight.

In order to enable me to reduce the size of the weight-holder mechanism,I reduce the distance of the vibratory motion of the scale lever. Thislimited movement also causes the beam to come to a rest sooner, and istherefore a desirable improvement. In order to enable the customer andoperator to readily determine the balance of the scale with this shortmovement, and especially to enable the customer to determine when thescale is balancing in his favor or otherwise, I employ movableindicator-pointers K and H, as shown in Fig. 1; but instead of the usualtwo points I place upon one end of one of the movable arms K a graduatedchart, upon which the point of the other arm indicates whether the scaleis at an exact balance-full weightor whether it is over weight or underweight. Fig. 8 shows the arrangement and method of designating whetherthe weight is balancing in favor of or against the customer.

' In Fig. 9 Ishow a modification of the weightholder mechanism in whichthe rings Z) and c are dispensed with and the inclined cam-surfaces 0and b are applied directly to the casing a (shown at (i and the weightd, (shown at K.) In this construction the weight has both a rotarymovement and a vertical movement. The operating-handle a is applieddirectly to the weight d. On account of the vertical movement of theweight, and therefore of the handle, the opening in the casing a isaccordingly widened to permit the vertical movement of the handle. Itwill be obvious that this construction has some objectionable features,such as the abrading of the weight in frictional contact with the casingin the rotary movement and the torsional movement of the weight when itcomes in contact with the weight-plates of the counterpoise. Again, theweight is not so well protected from dust as in the other construction.

It is obvious that this weight-holder mechanism may be applied to anylever-scale having a limited vibratory movement, and I do not,therefore, wish to confine myself in the claims to the style of scaleshown.

By the use of the term type of scale described I wish to be understoodto mean any scale of the steelyard type-that is, any leverscale in whichthe vibratory movement is the same irrespective of the weight applied.

l/Vhat I claim as my invention is-- 1. In a weight-holder mechanism forweighing-scales, a series of weights, a mechanism for moving the weightsinto and out of weighing position said mechanism bearing three series ofdenominational indications for the weights two of said series ofindications being arranged to be concealed when the weigh ts are innon-weighing position and to be displayed when the weights are inweighing position, the third series of indications being so arranged asto be displayed continuously.

2. In a weighing scale provided with a weight holder mechanism of thetype described, a series of fiat weights arranged one above the other, amechanism for raising out of or lowering into weighing position any oneof the weights at will, said mechanism arranged within the verticallimits measured by the thickness of the weights and the space requiredfor their movement in weighing, substantiall y as set forth.

3. In a weighing scale provided with a weight-holder mechanism, aweight, and a combination of elements having a plurality of activecam-surfaces arranged to move said weight into and out of weighingposition, substantially as set forth.

4. In a weight-holder mechanism for weighing-scales, two cooperatingparts, having a plurality of active cam-surfaces, and means for movingone of the parts, substantially as set forth.

5. In an apparatus for moving the weights of a weighing-scale into andout of weighing position, a mechanism comprising two cooperatingelements having a plurality of active cam-surfaces, one of said elementsarranged to be moved by the other through said camsurfaces,substantially as set forth.

6. In a weight-holder mechanism for weighing-scales, two cooperatingelements having a plurality of active cam-surfaces at two or moreseparated points, and means for moving one of the elements with respectto the other whereby the position of one of the elements is changedvertically, substantially as set forth.

7. In a weighing scale provided with a weight-holder mechanism, twocooperating elements having a plurality of active cam-surfaces, a weightcombined therewith and arranged to be moved into and out of weighingposition thereby, and means for moving one of the elements with respectto the other whereby the weight may be moved into or out of weighingposition at will, substantially as set forth.

8. In a weighing scale provided with a weightholder mechanism, twocooperating elements having a plurality of active cam-surfaces, a weightcombined therewith, and arranged to be raised or lowered thereby, andmeans for moving one of the elements with respect to the other wherebythe weight may be moved into or out of weighing position, substantiallyas set forth.

9. In a weighing scale provided with a weightholder mechanism, twocooperating elements having a plurality of active cam-surfaces, a weightcarried by one of the elements, means for moving one of the elementswith respect to the other whereby the element carrying the weight ismoved vertically, substantially as set forth.

10. In an apparatus for moving the weights of a weighing-scale into andout of weighing position, a mechanism comprising a series of elementsarranged in pairs, the elements of each pair cooperating through aplurality of active cam-surfaces and operating independently of theothers, and separate independent means for moving one of the elements ofeach pair, substantially as set forth.

11. In an apparatus for moving the weights of weighing-scales into andout of weighing position, a mechanism comprising a series of ringsarranged in pairs, the rings comprising each pair arranged to cooperate,by means of cam connection between the rings, and means for moving oneof the rings of each pair, substantially as set forth.

12. In an apparatus for moving the weights of a weighing-scale into andout of weighing position, a mechanism comprising a series of ringsarranged in pairs, the rings comprising each pair arranged to cooperateand to operate independently of the others, by means of cam connectionbetween the rings, and separate independent means for moving one of therings of each pair, substantially as set forth.

1?). In a weighing-scale provided with a weight-holder mechanism, aseries of weights, a corresponding series of pairs of elements having aplurality of active cam-surfaces arranged to move said weights, a weightconnected with one of the elements of each pair, and means for movingselectively at will one of the elements of each pair, substantially asset forth.

14. In a weighing-scale provided with a weight-holder mechanism, aseries of weights, a corresponding series of pairs of elements having aplurality of active cam-surfaces arranged to move said weight-s, one ofsaid weights being connected with one of the elements of each pair, andmeans for moving one of the elements of each pair whereby the weightsmay be moved into weighing position in any order or combination at will,substantially as set forth.

15. In a weighing-scale provided with a weight-holder mechanism, aseries of weights, a housing for said weights arranged in separableparts, one part for each Weight and its operating mechanism, each weightand its operative mechanism and housing therefor forming a separablemember of said weight-holder mechanism, substantially as set forth.

16. In a weighing-scale provided with a weight-holder mechanism,a seriesof separable members, each comprising a weight, operating mechanismtherefor and a housing for said weight andoperatingmechanism,andaweightreceiving element common to all the weights, substantially as setforth.

17. In a weight-holder mechanism for weighing-scales, two cooperatingcircular elements, inclined cam connections between these elementswhereby one of them may be moved vertically, and means for rotating oneof the elements, substantially as set forth.

18. In a weighing-scale provided with a weight holder mechanism, aweight, two Weight-holder rings, means for giving one of the rings arotary movement, means for holding the other ring from rotary movement,but permitting vertical movement thereof, the said rings being soarranged and of such form as to cause one ring to move vertically whenthe other ring is moved in a rotary direction and connection between thevertically-movable ring and weight whereby the weight is movedtherewith, substantially as set forth.

19. In a Weighing-scale provided with a weight-holder mechanism, aweight, a longitudinally-movable weight-holder ring, a rotatableweight-holder ring, and means for moving the rotatable weight-holderring, substantially as set forth.

20. In a weighingscale provided with a weight holder mechanism, theseries of weights, a series of longitudinally-movable weight-holderrings, a series of rotatable weight-holder rings, the weights and ringsarranged in telescopic relation to one another and means for moving therotatable weightholder rings, substantially as set forth.

21. In a weighing-scale provided with a weight-holder mechanism, acircular Weight, a vertically-movable weight-holder ring arranged tocarry said weight, a rotatable weightholder ring arranged to carry saidverticallymovable weight-holder ring, guide for said rotatable ring, anda handle fixed to said rotatable ring, substantially as set forth.

22. In a weighing-scale provided with a weight-holder mechanism, theweight (Z, the ring 0, the ring 6, suitable guides and support for thering 7), means for holding the ring 0 against rotary movement, and meansfor moving the ring 6 in a rotary direction, substantially as set forth.

23. In a weight-holder mechanism, a series of circular weight-casings soarranged and formed as to lit one upon the other in definite, relative,circular relation and to be held against rotation by the interlocking ofsaid casings, substantially as set forth.

24:. In a weighing-scale of the type described, the combination of aweighing beam or lever, a suitable weight-receiver, a weightholdermechanism comprising a series of independent weight-moving elements, aseries of weights carried by the weight-holder mechanism and inclosedthereby, and suitable means of connection between the weights and theweight-receiving mechanism, substantially as Set forth.

25. In a weighing-scale of the type described, acounterpoise-rod,aseries of weights arranged one above the other and embracing said rod,suitable means for holding and selectively moving said Weights soarranged, and suitable connecting means between said rod and each ofsaid weights, substantially as set forth.

26. In a weighing-scale of the type described, a counterpoise-weightrod, a series of weights arranged one above the other and embracing saidrod, a weight-holder mechanism embracing said weights and arranged toselectively move said weights independently of one another, andconnecting means between said rod and each of said weights,substantially as set forth.

27. In a weighing-scale of the type described, acounterpoise-weight-receiving rod, a series of weights arranged oneabove the other embracing said rod, a weight-holder mechanism embracingsaid weights, means for moving into and out of weighing position any oneof said weights selectively at will, and connecting means between saidrod and each of said weights, substantially as set forth.

28. In a weighing-scale of the type described, a weight-receivingelement comprising a series of weight receiving flanges or pro ections,a series of weights, a series of separable housings or casings for saidweights each inclosing a weight and an independent mechanism for movinginto and out of weighing position said weight, substantially as setforth.

29. In a weighing-scale of the type described, a weight-receivingelement, a series of flat weights with central openings therethrough,operative connective means between said element and said weights at saidopenings, a mechanism engaging the weights at their outer edge formoving the weights independently and selectively into and out ofconnection with said weight-receiving element, substantially as setforth.

30. In a weighing-scale of the type described, a counterpoise-rod with aseries of weight-plates fixed thereon, corresponding series of weightsarranged to be used in connection with said weight-plates, means forholding said weights in juxtaposition to said plates, but out ofoperative connection therewith, and means for moving said weightsindependently and selectively at will into operative connection withsaid plates, substantially as set forth.

31. In a weighing-scale of the type described, a series of Weights, aweight-holder mechanism comprising a series of practically independentand. separable elements, each of said elements combining weight, aweightmoving mechanism, and a housing or casing for said weight andmechanism, substantially as set forth.

32. In a weighing-scale of the typedescribed, a Weight, aweight-holdermechanism comprising a handle arranged to be moved in a substantiallyhorizontally circular plane, and suitable connections between the weightand the handle whereby the weight may be moved into and out of weighingposition, substantially as set forth.

33. A weighing-scale of the type described, a weightholder mechanismprovided with a weight or weights arranged to be operated thereby,counterpoise-receiving means for said weights when in weighing position,and additional counterpoise-receiving means adapted to receiveadditional weights inclependent of said weight-holder mechanism,substantially as set forth.

34. In a weighing-scale of the type described, the combination of theinclosed weight-holder mechanism and the uninclosed weight-receiver a,substantially as set forth.

35. In a weight-holder mechanism, a series of weights, a like number ofoperating-handles, connecting mechanism comprising elements having aplurality of active cam-surfaces between said weights and handleswhereby said weights are moved vertically when said handles are movedhorizontally, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I have signed this specification in the presence oftwo subscribing witnesses.

FRANCIS G. OSBORN. Witnesses:

BURT E. KNAPP, GEORGE MAITLAND.

